How To Use Tech To Advance Your Job Search

Over the last few years, the landscape for job hunting and recruiting has changed massively. The way recruiters look for candidates, the way companies seek out and headhunt potential employees, the way that people look for jobs, the way they apply, and what impresses both parties have all been influenced by advances in technology.

Recently, I found myself chatting with a client who works as a headhunter about this very thing. She said she often found herself marveling about the drastic changes in her industry just over the course of her career. While older generations would advise people to just “go pound the pavement,” it is without question that you need to be using technology to get a job these days. She said, “pounding the pavement may show that you are a well presented, well spoken, smart and ambitious person, but the chances of being able to talk to the right person during a face-to-face cold-call are slim to none.”

“Applying online is not the only way to utilize the technology we are now so lucky to have access to, there are many more ways to broaden your job search and increase your chances of getting a new job.” Eager to know more, I asked her, “LIKE WHAT?”

Here are a few of her technological tips:

Clear Up Your Social Media

You’re going to Google the person interviewing you aren’t you? So, don’t think they’re not doing the same to you! They are. Today, potential employers will actively search your social media profiles to have a look at you, so make sure you are representing yourself well online. Have your LinkedIn profile up to date, your Twitter, Facebook and Instagram clean (or at least update your privacy settings).

Apply On Apps

Apps are everything now, so get all the job apps available and make sure your CV is on them and your profile is up to date. That way when you’re on a train or sitting in a bar while your friend has abandoned you for the bathroom (or a cute guy), you can have a quick look, and if your dream jobs pop up you are always ready to apply instantly.

Get Interactive

It’s all about making a good first impression but also about standing out, and you can use technology to do this. Why not make your CV interactive? For example, you could make a video or create an animation. It’s far more effective than a piece of paper and also, as mentioned before, this will show your prospective employer that you are well presented, well spoken, smart and ambitious … just in the form of a video. It also shows that you think outside the box and that you use your initiative.

Network Online

The social networks are out there, so use them. LinkedIn is the obvious one when it comes to business and careers, but Facebook, Twitter and Instagram can work well for connecting with people and networking. If there’s a particular industry you want to work in, then follow people who also work in that industry, connect with them, engage with them. Then, you can eventually suggest meeting for coffee to pick their brain or find out how you could help each other out in some way.

Any tech savvy folks out there with tips to add?
Are you currently searching for a job? How have you used technology to bolster your approach?
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Hi there! Finding Delight is a lifestyle and lifelong learning blog written and curated by me in Alabama. Along the way, I attempt to tackle the rough real world with books, budget-livin', brainpower and all the beautiful stuff you can find when you really look. Won't you join me? The true delight is in the finding out.